10 Questions with ... Darren Stephens

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

KLRZ/New Orleans, WHMD/Hammond, KUMX/New Orleans, KNOU/New Orleans, WYIL/Knoxville, OM of Opus Broadcasting/Tallahassee, WKHT/Knoxville

1. Do you remember what your salary was at your first fulltime radio gig?

Haha! Yes I do and I will never forget because it cost me more money to drive to work than I made. It's was nights at WHMD ( Country L) in Hammond, LA . It was over an hour drive to the station from my house. I made $400 every two weeks, before taxes.

2. What excites you about Radio today?

The changes that technology keeps bringing. Everyday we get new competition from time consuming technology. The challenge to offer our listener a connection they cant get from an iPod, satellite radio, online streaming... and soon enough, wireless streaming to car radios. Bring it on...throw everything at us, local radio will still find a way to beat you!

3. You're a New Orleans native. What was the best part about watching the Saints win the Super Bowl for you?

It's funny, I grew up in New Orleans and just took that city for granted. The partying, the food, drive-thru daiquiri stands, checkin' out boobs on Bourbon Street at age 14, waking up at 3 in morning and knowing the clubs are still packed. A conservative's worst nightmare!

When Katrina hit, I realized that there is no city like it in the country like it and just how easy it could all just float away. That's when I became a REAL Saints fan. I wasn't cheering just for the team or players... I was cheering for what it meant for the city I love. New Orleans is back and in some ways better. My Mom, Dad, Brother, Niece and Nephew... all had a different sound in their voice after the Super Bowl... It wasn't just a game for them. It gave the entire city a feeling of happiness that is long over due.

4. How are you improving as a PD?

I had a chance to meet Cat Thomas in New York this year. I have always considered him the best in this business. He actually hung out and just talked radio with me for about 15 minutes. To this day, I would just intern for free with that guy to learn how he thinks. Las Vegas has thrown every type of Rhythmic and Mainstream at him and he always wins. He's like a radio Super Hero. Just 15 minutes with that guy, asking every question I could in rapid fire succession has been invaluable. Plus, my drive to win for our staff is huge. Joey Tack is the best night jock in the market and he should be rated that way every book.

5. You're in Knoxville, home of the University Of Tennessee's main campus. Have you bought any Volunteer Orange gear yet?

No...sorry, but I'll play the part on-air.

6. You are from New Orleans, a city legendary for its food. What have you found in Knoxville that has blown you away, food-wise?

Don't get me started. Knoxville doesn't have local food. Ask for the best place to get a steak and you'll get "Outback" as the answer.

7. Do you work with a consultant at WKHT?

Mark St John... hands down best consultant I have ever worked with. I hope I have him as a teammate for the rest of my career. He is a wizard with the music. If I want a song to spin every third hour during a full moon...he knows how to make it happen.

8. What's your favorite song that you're playing right now?

Young Forever... the original version... not the mix where they cut 90 percent of Mr. Hudson out.

9. What's the biggest way that you've seen the recession hit Knoxville?

My salary was cut... sucks.

10. When you go home to New Orleans, which restaurant do you make a point to go to?

Mother's, Café Maspero and the Po-Boy shop in my old neighborhood.

I know you've been a huge Katy Perry fan. Is she still #1 on your list or is their a new future Mrs. Darren Stephens out there?

Some things we talk about on the phone are suppose to stay between us! And No, this whole Russell Brand thing makes me want to vomit. The dude has more body hair than my labrador...plus he's British. She has lost MAJOR points. Ke$ha is interesting, I mean she doesn't look like cleanest chick in the world...but I would.